Natural History Books

Book SynopsisFergus Chadwick grew up in rural County Durham in the UK, and from an early age his interest in nature was apparent. Spending most of his childhood chasing insects, he took up beekeeping at the age of 13, under the mentorship of local beekeeper John Simon. From that moment on, he was hooked on bees. He went on to study Biological Sciences at Somerville College, the University of Oxford, where his work on the relationship between bees and neonicotinoid pesticides (carried out at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology) formed the basis of his dissertation. His current research focuses broadly on bee behaviour under the influence of pesticides. He is a passionate advocate of science communication and access to education. Steve Alton is an ecologist, botanist, and beekeeper's assistant who looks after Ashdown Forest, an area of heathland in Sussex best known as the home of Winnie the Pooh. Before that he worked for 13 years at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, collecting seeds for thTrade ReviewBeautifully designed with great illustrations and pictures * BBC Good Food *

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Book SynopsisA fantastic first book on butterflies and moths, this is the perfect companion for bug hunters ages 6 and up eager to understand how caterpillars become butterflies.Nature Explorers: Butterflies and Moths encourages little explorers to get outside and covers everything you need to know about these critters, including cocoons, wings, caterpillars, and eggs. Children can learn about butterflies and moths from all over the world, from their very own gardens to woodland, mountains, rainforest, desert, and even the Arctic.With exciting activities, like how to make a butterfly kite, and plenty of fun facts, this beautiful book is a must-have for children curious about butterflies and moths.About the series:The Nature Explorers series is a fantastic first set of books on the great outdoors for children aged 6 to 8. From birds, to weather, to the seashore, and more, the key topics of each subject are explained with plenty of f

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Book SynopsisA richly recounted memoir of growing up in an Irish farming community in the 1940sA love of Ireland and the Irish is what shines through this little memoir. Growing up amongst the fields, woods and characters of a farming community near Cork, Kathleen Iggulden depicts a world that is both immediate and real, yet belongs to a now-distant past. Here is a pony and trap to church every Sunday, evenings full of fiddle, flute and song, and new shoes and clothes twice a year. Kathleen''s childhood in the 1930s involved two or three generations - her parents, her brother and sisters, as well as the daily lives of farmworkers and craftsmen, friends and relations. She beautifully chronicles rural celebrations and forgotten practicalities of country life - all painted with a sensitive touch and a freshness of observation. She saw her people as intensely polite, decent and innocent, with humour and music always ready. She saw them as poets, and poetry as the highe

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Book SynopsisEscape to Languedoc in this poignant and transportative true account of life in a beautifully restored house in the south of France''This love affair between an English family and a very old French house is by turns turbulent, lyrical and tragic . . . Enriched by an insatiable, ever-eager curiosity, he takes us down many a side alley, adding another dimension to the timeless story of what it is that makes France irresistible'' MICHAEL PALIN''What a wonderful book. Exquisitely written, it is by turns laugh-out-loud funny then suddenly, unexpectedly and profoundly moving... an utter joy and a treat to read from the first to last pages'' JAMES HOLLAND''He writes with genuine emotion . . . He writes beautifully about life in a French village'' DAILY MAIL________One day a Londoner and his wife went a little crazy and bought a crumbling house in deepest Languedoc. It was love at first sight.Over the years these LoTrade ReviewA timeless story of what it is that makes France irresistible -- Michael PalinHe writes with genuine emotion . . . He writes beautifully about life in a French village. The most enjoyable parts of this book are his descriptions of the French countryside * Daily Mail *Elegant, captivating, and sprinkled with self-deprecating humour. Dolby is a writer of abundant talent. -- Peter Kerr, author of Snowball OrangesWonderful. Exquisitely written, it is by turns laugh-out-loud funny then suddenly, unexpectedly and profoundly moving, wistful and touching: a homage to a place, to magical moments in time. An utter joy and a treat to read from the first to last pages * James Holland, author of Brothers in Arms *An unashamed love letter to France from someone who deeply admires the country * UK Time News *This love affair between an English family and a very old French house is by turns turbulent, lyrical and tragic. With often embattled enthusiasm Dolby describes the process of making 1 Place de l'Eglise part of the family. Enriched by an insatiable, ever-eager curiosity, he takes us down many a side alley, adding another dimension to the timeless story of what it is that makes France irresistible. -- Michael Palin

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the weird, wacky, and wonderful world of plants with a book that revels in the diversity of the botanical world.Plants are truly awe-inspiring. They can be vast, minute, smelly, or spectacularly ugly. Some plants live on their own, or by growing off others; some live by air and water; others are carnivorous, eating the creatures around them; some plants look remarkably like animals; while others have unusual symbolism; and some have special cultural significance. This book explores them all, bringing together the most peculiar and most fascinating plants on the planet - celebrating them in all their diverse splendour.Split into five chapters, covering everything from poisonous plants to painkilling ones, Michael Perry explains exactly what makes each plant special. With exquisitely detailed illustrations of all the different species, this is an informative, humorous, and beautiful gift for all those who love plants - whether they want to grow them orTrade ReviewIt is just absolutely fabulous, and I'm sure it'll be on many people's Christmas lists. * BBC Radio Suffolk *

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Book SynopsisA beautiful photographic guide to British flora and fauna through the year and around the British Isles, from remote beaches to wetland centers, fens to forests, valleys to island and more!Do you know where to find an adder, or where to spot a seal? And do you know the best time of year to go in search of booming bitterns or boxing hares? If you''re seeking the answers to all these questions and more, then this may be book for you!It''s no secret that Britain is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. From the countryside and national parks, to the coastline, the woods, fields, forests and more. Where To Go Wild in the British Isles unveils the most spectacular wild places to visit all year round. Search by time of year, destination, wildlife attraction, or simply flick through the pages and be inspired!With over 125 great wildlife sights and wild places, there''s something for everyone - from pine martens, nesting kingfishers, and woodland b

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Book SynopsisDiscover the secret to successfully growing trees in your garden.The UK''s leading gardening publisher brings you a horticultural handbook to fulfill your every need and seed! Get your gardening gloves on and join the green-fingered journey to growing trees successfully from the comfort of your own home and garden.Ideal for first-time gardeners, Grow Trees contains everything you need to bring stunning seasonal interest, structural elegance, and biodiversity to your garden. Learn how to plant and care for your trees with tips on selecting the right site, mulching, and pruning, and discover the perfect tree for your outdoor space with a handy directory including the best trees for small spaces, trees for a tropical look, and trees for maximum carbon capture.Part of the Grow low-price paperback gardening series by DK - the UK''s leading and highly regarded practical gardening publisher targeting first-time gardeners, Grow Trees proves the perfect

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Book SynopsisThe clearest and sharpest recognition guide to over 500 butterfly and moth species from around the world. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to the butterflies and moths of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-colour photographs of over 500 species, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognize a species quickly and easily. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each butterfly or moth, while also providing at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Dive straight into this nifty nature book to discover: - Each entry includes at-a-glance facts for quick reference.- Close-up photography shows key details and highlights distinguishing features, sho

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Book SynopsisTravel is good for us. It makes us happy!Escape more, celebrate more, "weekend" more with DK travel guides and create memories that last a lifetime.Each of our books is jam-packed with gorgeous pictures, helpful maps and expert insights, making them totally comprehensive, really easy to use, and full of ideas and inspiration. And we know what we're doing we've been publishing guides for over 30 years. So forget the ordinary. Travel extraordinary.

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Book Synopsis''I once travelled back from Africa on a ship with an Irish captain who did not like animals. This was unfortunate, because most of my luggage consisted of about two hundred odd cages of assorted wildlife . . .''Gerald Durrell''s accounts of the animals he encountered on his travels were some of the first widely shared descriptions of the world''s most extraordinary animals.Moving from the West Coast of Africa to the northern tip of South America - and elsewhere - Durrell observes the courtships, wars and characters of a variety of creatures, from birds of paradise, to ants and anteaters, among others.Trade ReviewDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *A renegade who was right . . . He was truly a man before his time -- Sir David Attenborough

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Book Synopsis''A love story, a meditation on meat eating, on farming animals, on the relations between man and beast. Yallop writes with great tenderness'' Daily TelegraphOn her fortieth birthday Jacqueline Yallop built a pig sty in rural south-west France. She and her husband Ed had decided to turn their Aveyron cottage and garden into a small holding. They bought two pigs - Big and Little - to rear and slaughter. The locals were full of advice, and with just a small amount of plastic poles and metallic string and some new Wellington boots, they were off.They will cultivate the land. They will raise, then kill and eat their pigs. Or so they keep telling themselves. Because the reality is so very different from the romantic dreams of two stubborn English writers . . .Trade ReviewBy turn, poignant, funny, educational and, yes, brutal . . . Yallop's skill lies in blending autobiography with lyrical nature writing. * Radio Times *Quietly devastating . . . Yallop writes with great tenderness about the hogs as housekeepers and gourmands * Daily Telegraph *A delightful and entertaining memoir * Woman and Home *A beautifully written and quietly devastating account of raising two young pigs on [Yallop's] smallholding in the south of France * Frances Wilson, The New Statesman *The narrative tension is as tightly coiled as a thriller * Observer *Fascinating . . . you certainly have a treat in store * Literary Review *Very affecting * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis''A little gem of a book'' Brendan O''ConnorTom Inglis and his Wheaten terrier Pepe have lived together for eighteen years: countless days of walks and play and the odd bit of chaos. Now, though, they are both getting old. To Love a Dog tells the story of Tom''s life with Pepe, and looks at the ancient connection between humans and dogs. It explores why we take on the hassle of caring for these pet animals who rely on us so completely, who can create mess and upset in our lives, and who will probably die before us, leaving us behind to grieve. This is a book for everyone who has ever loved a dog.Trade ReviewA little gem of a bookQuietly devastating ... A touching testament to the relationship between one man and his dog * Business Post *Beautiful ... I heartily recommend it to anybody, whether you have a dog or whether you don't -- John Toal * BBC Radio Ulster *It's a brilliant book ... And I can recommend it really highly -- Pat Kenny * Newstalk *Masterly ... it uses its subject to explore more than meets the eye * Dublin Review of Books *

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Book Synopsis''If bravery itself could write, it would write like she does'' John BergerWhy rebel?Because our footprint on the Earth has never mattered more than now. How we treat it, in the spirit of gift or of theft, has never been more important.Because we need a politics of kindness, but the very opposite is on the rise. Libertarian fascism, with its triumphal brutalism, its racism and misogyny - a politics that loathes the living world.Because nature is not a hobby. It is the life on which we depend, as Indigenous societies have never forgotten.Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars, and they are lining up now to write rebellion across the skies.From the author of Wild, this passionate, poetic manifesto for urgent rebellion is also a paean to the deep and extraordinary beauty of the natural world.Jay Griffiths helped redefine activism for a generation, combining detailed research with a poeTrade ReviewThere is just one question left today for all writers. What would Nature say to us if Nature had a voice? I know of nobody who is facing up to that question with more honesty, courage and commitment than Jay Griffiths * John Ashton, independent activist and former UK Climate Change Ambassador *

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Book SynopsisTalking turkey about the bird you thought you knewTrade Review"Virtually every page offers a fact worth recalling."--Chicago Tribune"A lively, literate tour of turkey lore."--Wall Street Journal"Smith gives depth and authority to a subject we thought we knew. . . . The turkey covers vast terrain, and his book is invaluable to anyone in its pursuit."--Gastronomica"In his book, Smith . . . talks turkey about the folklore and natural and social history of the bird."--Ashbury Park Press"Smith . . . cuts through the myth and legend surrounding the turkey to provide a history that is loaded with fascinating facts and anecdotes with which you could regale the entire family from dawn to dusk this Thursday."--Kansas City Star

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Book SynopsisA captivating history of NASA’s Space Transportation System—the space shuttle—chronicling the inevitable failures of a doomed design.In Dark Star, Matthew Hersch challenges the existing narrative of the most significant human space program of the last fifty years, NASA’s space shuttle. He begins with the origins of the space shuttle: a century-long effort to develop a low-cost, reusable, rocket-powered airplane to militarize and commercialize space travel, which Hersch explains was built the wrong way, at the wrong time, and for all the wrong reasons. Describing the unique circumstances that led to the space shuttle’s creation by the administration of President Richard Nixon in 1972 and its subsequent flights from 1981 through 2011, Hersch illustrates how the space shuttle was doomed from the start.While most historians have accepted the view that the space shuttle’s fatal accidents—including the 1986 Challenger

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is a well-researched, richly detailed history of trout and trout fishing in the Mountain West that, as the author promises, 'overturns the biggest fish story ever told.'" -- John Gierach * Wall Street Journal *"Readable and thought-provoking. . . . The author does not sugarcoat the story of trout fishing in the West, and she deserves credit for being a voice for the native fish of all species that existed prior to human attempts to change nature’s plan and for documenting how the trout and angling opportunities we have in the Rocky Mountain West came to be." -- James Thull * Montana *"[A] remarkable book. Brown’s pithy, beautifully written prose conveys an important message: that anglers and managers need to stop imagining western lakes and rivers as wild places and start thinking about how the human history of Rocky Mountain trout has had a disastrous impact on ecologically significant native species that genteel recreationists too readily deemed ‘trash fish.’" -- Miles Powell * Western Historical Quarterly *"Trout Culture appealingly recounts the complex dance of environmental and social changes that led to the western icon. . . . A valuable, clear, and timely contribution. . . . Trout Culture is an excellent, engaging book that will appeal to scholars and general readers alike" -- Terence Young * Environmental History *"Engaging, perceptive, interpretive, meticulously researched and documented. . . . This careful delineation and assessment of the evolution of western trout culture will be valuable for those interested in the history of the American West as well as students of science and aquaculture." * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. Headwaters 2. Trout Empire 3. Trout Culture 4. Trash Fish 5. Lunkers 6. Wild Trout Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is an astonishing book... The insights and implications ofcontemporary social theory, especially queer theory, are accessible, resonant, and concrete throughout the events andexperiences the author describes." * Choice *

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Book SynopsisA guide to discovering the fascinating natural history beneath your feetFrom trilobites near the Idaho border and primitive horses on the Columbia Plateau to giant bird tracks near Bellingham and curious bear-like beasts on the Olympic Peninsula, fossils across Washington State are filled with clues of past life on Earth. With abundant and well-exposed rock layers, the state has fossils dating from Ice Age mammals only 12,000 years old back to marine invertebrates more than 500 million years old. In Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales, renowned paleontologist Elizabeth A. Nesbitt teams up with popular science writer David B. Williams to offer a fascinating, richly illustrated tour through more than a half billion years of natural history. Following an introduction to key concepts, twenty-four profileseach featuring a unique plant, animal, or environmenttell the incredible stories of individual fossils, many of which are on display in Washington museums. The spectacular paleontology of WashinTrade Review"The ultimate guide to Washington fossils." * KING 5 - Evening *

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Book SynopsisA founder of soundscape ecology offers a pioneering field guide for listening to and recording the sounds of the wildTrade Review"Krause is a professional soundscape ecologist, and he reveals the wisdom and insider secrets gained from decades of recording audio in the wild . . .This is an extremely positive contribution to our understanding of the natural world."—Chris Fitch, Geographical“Here’s a handbook and philosophical guide for anyone, young or old, who wishes to open their senses to an often forgotten dimension of the reality around us: the sounds of the natural world—the sounds that are more than audio vibrations, but doorways into other worlds.”—Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N, Last Child in the Woods, and The Nature Principle“Part fascinating meditation on sound, part essential manual, Bernie Krause’s Wild Soundscapes is the veritable bible for how to record nature’s fleeting song—not just technically, but reverently.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us“Bernie Krause hears things the rest of us don’t even realize we’re missing. But if we listen carefully, starting with him, we just might resurrect some sweet sounds we’ve lost.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us, on Voices of the Wild -- Alan Weisman“Here’s a handbook and philosophical guide for anyone, young or old, who wishes to open their senses to an often forgotten dimension of the reality around us: the sounds of the natural world—the sounds that are more than audio vibrations, but doorways into other worlds.”—Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N, Last Child in the Woods, and The Nature Principle -- Richard Louv“Part fascinating meditation on sound, part essential manual, Bernie Krause’s Wild Soundscapes is the veritable bible for how to record nature’s fleeting song—not just technically, but reverently.”—Alan Weisman, author of Countdown and The World Without Us -- Alan Weisman"Krause is a professional soundscape ecologist, and he reveals the wisdom and insider secrets gained from decades of recording audio in the wild . . .This is an extremely positive contribution to our understanding of the natural world."—Chris Fitch, Geographical -- Chris Fitch * Geographical *

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Book SynopsisA deeply personal master class on how to read a natural landscape and unravel the clues to its unique ecological historyTrade Review“A delightful immersion in close observation and deep understanding.”—Tristan Gooley, author of The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs and The Natural Navigator“A book for the shelf of any forest wanderer—and a book to take on those wanders, so you can much better understand what you’re seeing!”—Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home“Charney inspires readers to rediscover a sense of wonder in their local landscapes, from soil to slopes to stone walls to salamanders. Become a nature detective by reading this insightful book!”—Meg Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops and The Arbornaut“Unfolding as a series of puzzles or mysteries in the landscape, this book is a thought-provoking, vivid, and creative guide to asking the right questions and being in the moment in the outdoors.”—James Barilla, author of My Backyard Jungle “This very engaging book is a series of natural history mysteries and a naturalist’s memoir. Highly recommended!”—Tom Wessels, author of Reading the Forested Landscape: A Natural History of New England “As an art historian, I’m used to ‘reading’ paintings. Here, Noah Charney has provided a guide to ‘reading’ landscapes, focusing on the natural wonder that are trees. I’m honored to share the name of the author of this brilliant, approachable book.”—Noah Charney, author of The Art Thief: A Novel and The 12-Hour Art Expert: Everything You Need to Know about Art in a Dozen Masterpieces “Written in a familiar and conversational style, this book will be a welcome source for naturalist studies and the ‘reading’ of landscapes.”—Robert Sanford, author of Reading Rural Landscapes: A Field Guide to New England’s Past

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“The nineteenth-century Challenger expedition was a voyage with a single purpose—scientific discovery. Macdougall looks forward rather than back and connects the Challenger findings with modern oceanographic and even lunar explorations. The result is truly a delight to read.”—Brian Skinner, Yale University“An epic Victorian-age expedition made relevant to the world today by Macdougall’s masterful prose. The excitement of discovery is infectiously brought to life in this delightful read. A landmark book about a landmark voyage.”—Nick Fraser, National Museums Scotland“Macdougall’s book not only brings to light a fascinating scientific expedition but also draws attention to the importance of scientific exploration and discovery even in today’s modern world.”—S. E. Brazer, Salisbury University

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Breathtaking, highly entertaining and understandable for non-specialist readers, who will be amazed by the great variety of tales that the book addresses...An excellent book that shows nicely that “every star story is about us”.”—H. Natalia Sánchez, Journal of Skyscape Archaeology“In this book of stories, Aveni introduces readers to the diversity of constellation mythologies. An entirely original, vividly written, and totally absorbing book by a world expert.”—Simon Mitton, University of Cambridge“Aveni is the star of his own luminous book: casting light in the form of stories – about the sky, time, earthly correspondences and concerns, and human imagination.”—Christopher Vecsey, author of Imagine Ourselves Richly: Mythic Narratives of North American Indians"Aveni skillfully guides us around the awesome night sky through the imagination of different peoples around the world, past and present. A wonderful treasury of cultural astronomy."—Jacqueline Mitton, author of Zoo in the Sky““Connections between Earth Mother and Sky Father are universal. The stories in this book are wise and wonder‑filled to encourage humility and mindfulness.”—Sunny Dooley, Diné Traditional Wisdom Keeper

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“It’s not about gardening, nor is it about the structure or origins of plants, but a sort of engaging miscellany . . . There is much to be learnt on almost every page.”—Richard Eyre, Sunday Times“This lively and well-researched book is a garland of delights . . . Even among familiar flowers Boddy finds unexpected stories and connections.”—Peter Parker, Spectator“This joyful, elegant study of how poets, philosophers and politicians have seen meaning in various types of flowers—from the Cold War symbol of “Daisy Girl” to D H Lawrence’s verdict on the daffodil (“ruffled birds on their perches”)—is a tour-de-force.”—Iona McLaren, Daily Telegraph“This illustrated guide unearths the history and influence of iconic flowers from across the globe, from Spring daffodils to autumn chrysanthemums.”—Sophie Hannam and Caroline Wheater, Homes & Antiques“A book to dip into little and often, which serves up a year’s worth of intellectual stimulation [and] sensual pleasure . . . the breadth of references is quite simply breathtaking”—Jodie Jones, Garden Illustrated“There is something of interest for everyone, and it is charmingly illustrated too . . . [I]t gives joy to be ‘locked down’ with this book.”—Margaret Barrie, Flora Magazine“From the meaning of carnations in Sex and the City to the use of sunflowers in the cleanup of Chernobyl, from Henry VIII’s ban on saffron dye in Ireland to the modernist reinventions of roses, this is no ordinary flower book, and Kasia Boddy is no ordinary writer.”—Ali Smith, author of Spring“Unlike any book I have read on flowers. We get a superb range of cultural information and imagery from ancient times right through to the very modern, and from all parts of the world. Fascinating.”—Margaret Willes, author of The Gardens of the British Working Class“There is no doubt that anyone perusing the pages will view afresh the blooming flowers in their garden . . . A compelling, contextualising tapestry written with both vivacity and analytical rigour.”—Chris Beardshaw, Garden Designer and Broadcaster“Blooming Flowers is a gorgeously lush evocation of twelve different flowers, each one steeped in its own stories, cultural associations and botanical wonder. It is not just a sunny celebration of everything floral—we learn how intimately flowers are entwined with global warming, transatlantic slavery, US imperialism and nuclear radioactivity—but this is a beautifully written book, full of exquisite detail, startling facts and laced with just the right amount of poetry.”—Peter Fiennes, author of Oak and Ash and Thorn

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Book SynopsisA compelling and innovative exploration of how animals shaped the birth of natural history and its ecological afterlivesTrade Review“Full of insight and wit, Curious Species is a genre-expanding account of knowledge and politics. Deeply researched and a joy to read, this book illuminates the ways animals from rattlesnakes to raccoons co-made our understandings of them.”—Bathsheba Demuth, author of Floating Coast: An Environmental History of the Bering Strait“A provocative, sparklingly written hybrid work combining original historical scholarship with lively first-person narrative and natural historical observation.”—Anya Zilberstein, author of A Temperate Empire: Making Climate Change in Early America“Early modern cabinets of curiosity generated sensations of wonder. So does Curious Species, with its awe-inspiring tales from the past and breathless accounts of Whitney Barlow Robles’s fearless pursuit of rare coral, raccoons, and rattlesnakes.”—Peter C. Mancall, author of Nature and Culture in the Early Modern Atlantic“Curious Species is exceptional: Whitney Robles has crafted a highly original, convincing, nuanced, and thought provoking study of how curiosity and animal nature overlap to shape, inspire, and circumscribe knowledge.”—Cameron B. Strang, author of Frontiers of Science: Imperialism and Natural Knowledge in the Gulf South Borderlands, 1500–1850“A captivating account of the many ways in which humans and other animals made each other ‘curious,’ in the eighteenth century and today. Whitney Barlow Robles expertly leads us in pursuit of Enlightenment naturalists as they observe, describe, depict, collect, and preserve corals, rattlesnakes, fish, and raccoons across the world, and reflects on what it means to follow in their footsteps in the present.”—Daniela Bleichmar, author of Visual Voyages: Images of Latin American Nature from Columbus to Darwin

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50 Years of Ocean Discovery National Science | BookCurl

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. Plants 2. Climate and weather 3. Soil health and management 4. Fertilisers and manures 5. Weeds 6. Diseases 7. Pests 8. Sustainable Crop Production Techniques 9. Precision crop production 10. Organic Crop Husbandry 11. Principles of plant breeding, seed production and certification 12. World Agricultural Systems 13. Cereals 14. Oilseeds and Pulse crops 15. Root Crops 16. Energy and industrial crops 17. Fresh produce 18. Arable forage crops 19. Introduction to grass production 20. Establishing and improving grassland 21. Grazing management 22. Conservation of grass and forage crops

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Book SynopsisIn the long history of mankind''s relationship with felines, one cat stands head and shoulders below the rest. Highly inflammable, the glass-jawed Birmingham lurches from one catastrophe to the next. Through encounters with washing machine spin cycles to his lovelorn pursuit of the aggressively uninterested Sammy, Chris Pascoe''s hilarious book paints an intimate portrait of the author''s calamitous relationship with a cat wholly unsuited to being feline. Persistently molested by an irate sparrow, physically incapable of negotiating the intricacies of the cat-flap and with a near-fatal appreciation of the effects of gravity, Brum nevertheless remains steadfast in his subconscious pursuit of oblivion. Worryingly, these stories are true. Will nine lives be enough?Trade ReviewCharming * Free Press *An original comic voice - wry, assured, sometimes whimsical and sometimes surreal but throughout refreshingly uncynical . . . the best kind of humour * Julian Dutton, writer, Alistair MacGowan Show *Charming * Free Press *Anyone who loves or knows cats will be able to relate to Chris Pascoe's hilarious and affectionate account of the hapless Birmingham's adventures. I literally cried with laughter. * Jo Rothery (Editor, Cat World Magazine) *P.G.Wodehouse had his pekes, A.A. Milne his teddy bear - Chris Pascoe has his cat. A CAT CALLED BIRMINGHAM is the debut of an original comic voice - wry, assured, sometimes whimsical and sometimes surreal but throughout refreshingly uncynical. As a result of reading his book, I have taken to laughing at cats in the street, much to the puzzlement of the owners.We all know that the funniest bits of You've Been Framed are the animal slapstick - well, this book is all that and more besides: Pascoe relates the comic misadventures of his pet with unflagging energy and relish, underpinned with an affection that never becomes mawkish. He has the ability to fashion fine humour form the minutiae of everyday life - which is the best kind of humour. I have news for anyone who has laughed at the antics of an animal but not bothered to write it down. Someone has - Chris Pascoe. * Julian Dutton, writer, Alistair MacGowan Show *This eccentric memoir has very little to do with the West Midland's favourite conurbation. Instead, it's the rather charming story of Mr Pascoe's own pet, a madcap moggy who can't help but cause mayhem . . . * Birmingham Sunday Mercury *This eccentric memoir has very little to do with the West Midland's favourite conurbation. Instead, it's the rather charming story of Mr Pascoe's own pet, a madcap moggy who can't help but cause mayhem . . . It belongs to that very traditional genre - old-fashioned romance. It's just that instead of the usual boy-meets-girl hokum, we have the love that dare not speak its name. The passion between a man and his cat * Birmingham Sunday Mercury *Anyone who loves or knows cats will be able to relate to Chris Pascoe's hilarious and affectionate account of the hapless Birmingham's adventures. I literally cried with laughter. * Jo Rothery (Editor, Cat World Magazine) *I read this with tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks. * Eila Reid, Editor of My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisTHE WRONG KIND OF SNOW is the bestselling daily companion to the unpredictable British weather - a national phenomenon that obsesses us all.Trade Review'This year's Eats, Shoots and Leaves' * Guardian *' ***** Smart and well-researched' * Time Out *'Wonderful . . . full of fascination and amusement' * Alan Titchmarsh, The Alan Titchmarsh Show *'A meteorological feast for every day of the year' * Good Book Guide *Well written and funny . . . a book you can give to almost anyone * Elle *Bags of charm * The Sunday Times *'Brilliant idea' * Daily Mail *The perfect stocking-filler * Independent *This book is jam-packed with grand themes ... first-rate and really well-researched ... a fascinating book, based on a very clever idea and very intelligently done. * Daily Mail *Endlessly fascinating... It is well researched and written with flair and a feel for the drama of the moment - the perfect book for ensuring you have something to say during that awkward moment at the water cooler. * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisMartin Clunes is happy to admit that with Mary, it was love at first sight; her soft, brown eyes, her perfect figure and that unstoppable wagging tail. As cocker spaniels go, she was perfect.Mary was soon joined in the Clunes'' household by Tina, another cocker, and Arthur, a black Labrador. Reminiscent of MARLEY & ME, the dynamics between the three dogs makes hilarious reading: puppy classes, Scrufts, the competition for top dog status (and even Martin has to fight for this), which leads to visits from a dog psychologist.His passion for dogs inspired Martin to embark on a journey of discovery about their ancestors, both wild (the painted dogs of Tanzania) and extremely tame (the members of the Beverly Hills Mutt Club).With his trademark warmth and humour, Martin describes meeting a worldwide cast of doggie characters, and how humans have shaped the dog world as we know it today. One thing is certain: he will never see Mary, Tina and Arthur in quite the same way again.Trade Review[A Dog's Life is] Martin Clunes's charming, sensible exploration of the noble bond between man and dog * Telegraph *An endearing account of the Clunes' family struggle to instil peace between their warring cocker spaniels, while Martin traces how his dogs' wild ancestors became the pampered pets of today * Woman & Home *Martin embarked on a world-wide quest to explore the history of dogs. This book is Martin's account of his discoveries, told with his own brand of warmth and humor * Sun *This fond, funny and endearing book is a must for all dog lovers * Dogs Monthly *Part memoir, part canine love affair, Clunes tells an engaging tale of life in the country with beloved dogs... A lovely read * AND magazine *Compelling reading and full of surprises * Weekly News *An endearing read through which we learn about Martin and his family, and the world of dogs * NFU Countryside *

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Book SynopsisFrom the international TV star and number one New York Times bestselling author comes the only guide you'll need for successfully integrating a dog into your family.Trade ReviewIcon to dog owners all over the world... The man is a dog wizard, a genius * Anne Shooter, Daily Mail *'[Millan is] serene and mesmerizing . . . He deserves a cape and mask'. * New York Times *[Cesar] arrives amid canine chaos and leaves behind peace. * Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisA true story of acceptance, perseverance, and the possibility of love and redemption as evocative, charming, and powerful as the New York Times bestseller Following Atticus.From the author of Following Atticus, an international bestseller that has inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the world, comes the moving true story of a despondent and broken old dog and the man who gave him a second chance. Drawn by a fateful online post, Tom Ryan, with the help of his canine hiking partner, Atticus M. Finch, adopts Will, an elderly, deaf, and nearly blind soul. Long neglected and filled with anger and pain, Will finds himself in a curious world unlike any he has ever known. Tom hopes to give Will a place to die with dignity surrounded by the natural beauty of the White Mountains of his New Hampshire home. But when he witnesses Will''s fear and lack of trust, Tom realizes that his task entails so much more. With endless patience and the s

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Book SynopsisLearn the NASA Astronaut mindset to solve problems, provide leadership in the face of adversity and never give up when pursuing your wildest ambitions. Mike Massimino achieved his dream of exploring space. Now he distils stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide to accomplish your biggest goals. Mike reveals how to make possible the seemingly impossible - on Earth. Written with characteristic wit and a big heart, Mike identifies ten hard-earned lessons of spaceflight and his other life experiences, including:- One in a Million Is Not Zero: The odds are against you. Do it anyway.- The Thirty-Second Rule: You''re going to make mistakes. Learn how to deal with them.- Be Amazed: The universe is an incredible place. Stop what you''re doing and look around.- Know When to Pivot: Change is inevitable. Accept and embrace it.We all have our own personal ''moon shots'' we''d like to take in life, but as misTrade ReviewWonderfully entertaining, deeply personal and filled with heart-pounding stories of life among the stars. Mike Massimino has gathered lessons from his decades as a NASA astronaut that will help all us earthbound mortals find success in whatever journey we are on. Moonshot is exactly the book we all need right now! -- Admiral William H. McRaven, bestselling author of Make Your BedMoonshot by Mike Massimino - indisputably, the coolest astronaut that has ever lived - is a truly out of this world guidebook for life that we all need to read: a delightful, insightful analysis of what it means to achieve, to succeed and to dream really big -- Mayim Bialik Ph.D., New York Times Bestselling Author of Girling Up, actress The Big Bang Theory, host of JeopardyAn exhilarating journey into the profound principles of leadership, the transformative power of teamwork, and the unwavering commitment to integrity that underpin success in the unforgiving environment of space. Moonshot becomes a beacon of inspiration for all, shedding light on what it truly takes to excel amidst the stars -- Scott Kelly, former NASA astronaut and commander of the space shuttle and International Space Station, and New York Times bestselling author of Endurance and Infinite WonderA team needs to commit to a shared goal before any great accomplishment can enter the record books. In Moonshot, Mike Massimino illustrates that through determination, sacrifices, and teamwork, no dream is too bold. Mike's story vividly demonstrates that an embrace of the so-called "little things" is essential to beating the odds and reaching extraordinary heights together. Moonshot reminds us that the obstacles we encounter in pursuit of our dreams can be defeated by the power of our perseverance -- Joe Torre, Baseball Hall of Famer, four-time World Series Championship manager of the New York Yankees, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Yankee Years and Chasing the DreamA poignant reminder that although space exploration depends on hard science, mind-bogglingly complex calculations and cutting edge technology, it is, at heart, a very human enterprise * Mail on Sunday *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA blend of contemporary travelogue and historical narrative about the Alps from "a graceful and passionate writer" (The Washington Post).Trade Review"Stephen O'Shea's sardonic, science-rich travelogue…" -- Nature"... this book is for the most part a great pleasure to read, and provides a remarkable summary of the life of the high mountains." -- Times Literary Supplement"Veteran traveller Stephen O’Shea takes the reader on a delightful 500-mile historical romp through the Alps... It is well worth making space in the rucksack for this on your next Alpine holiday." -- Geographical"His [Stephen O'Shea's] account of his journey, all 500 miles and seven countries of it, is a soaring success, erudite, entertaining and human... the Alps cry out to be explored. Start with this book." -- i paper

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Book SynopsisWith his inimitable wit, Tyson recounts how America's favourite planet was ousted from the cosmic hub.Trade Review"Now, in The Pluto Files, Tyson offers a highly entertaining history of Pluto..." -- New Scientist

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Book SynopsisA blend of contemporary travelogue and historical narrative about the Alps from "a graceful and passionate writer" (The Washington Post).Trade Review"Stephen O'Shea's sardonic, science-rich travelogue…" -- Nature"His [Stephen O'Shea's] account of his journey, all 500 miles and seven countries of it, is a soaring success, erudite, entertaining and human... the Alps cry out to be explored. Start with this book." -- i paper"Veteran traveller Stephen O’Shea takes the reader on a delightful 500-mile historical romp through the Alps... It is well worth making space in the rucksack for this on your next Alpine holiday." -- Geographical

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Book SynopsisA vibrant, intimate tour of the Seine.Trade Review"I learned so much from this book. Elaine Sciolino is a graceful, companionable writer, someone who speaks about France in the most enjoyably American way... [She] proceeds from colorful detail to revealing detail, gently informing even as she entertains... Sciolino has laid one more beautiful and amusing wreath on the altar of the City of Light." -- Edmund White - The New York Times"A soulful, transformative voyage along the body of water that defines the City of Light. Elaine Sciolino is the perfect guide to the world’s most romantic river." -- Lauren Collins - The New Yorker

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Book SynopsisAt no time in human history have we been more disconnected with what lies outside our front doors. Within just a century, our relationship with our surroundings has transformed from one of exploration to one of disassociation. In This Book Was a Tree, science teacher Marcie Cuff issues a call for a new era of pioneers—not leathery, backwoods deerskin-wearing salt pork and hominy pioneers, but strong-minded, clever, crafty, mudpie-making, fort-building individuals committed to examining the natural world and deciphering nature’s perplexing puzzles.Within each chapter, readers will discover a principle for reconnecting with the natural world around them, from learning to be still to discovering the importance of giving back. With a mix of science and hands-on crafts and activities, readers will be encouraged to brainstorm, imagine, and understand the world as inventive scientists—to touch, collect, document, sketch, decode, analyze, experiment, unravel, i

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Book SynopsisGet your one-stop guide for understanding and raising this popular pet lizard. Reptiles are now kept in one out of every seven pet homes, so it's no surprise that millions have gone gaga for geckos.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Leaping into Leopard Geckos 1 Chapter 2: Making Sure a Leopard Gecko Is Right for You 13 Chapter 3: Finding and Selecting a Leopard Gecko 23 Chapter 4: Getting Ready for Your Gecko 33 Chapter 5: Caring for Your Leopard Gecko 49 Chapter 6: Getting to Know Your Gecko 61 Chapter 7: Keeping Your Gecko Healthy 73 Ten Great Gecko Internet Sites 85 Ten Sources for Everything Reptile 86 Index 87

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Book SynopsisThe fun and easy way to care for a cute, cuddly hamster Hamsters are the most popular rodents kept as pets. Hamsters For Dummies helps those owners who have little or no experience caring for this small mammal. This book covers selecting a healthy hamster, health care and nutrition, and housing and supplies.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Hankering for a Hamster. Chapter 2: Is a Hamster Your Perfect Pet? Chapter 3: Selecting a Hamster, Chapter 4: C'mon In: Setting Up Your Hamster's Home and getting Him There Safely. Chapter 5: Noshes, Nibbles, and Nuzzles: Caring for Your Hamster. Chapter 6: Baby, What's Your Sign? Getting to Know Your Hamster. Chapter 7: In the Pink: Hamster Health and Breeding Issues. The Hams Are Out There: Ten Interesting Hamster Web Sites. Condensed Hamsters: Ten Common Questions. Index.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing key principles that influence the weather, this guide gives sailors the tools to forecast from observations and the available information.Trade Review"...useful book...helpful illustrations and a chatty style, it breezes through the basic principles...full of useful website links". (Yachting Monthly) "Giving you the tools to forecast from observations and how to make the most of this information." (Boat Mart) “Written in straightforward language with the science presented in an easy-to-digest manner.” (Julian Stockwin)Table of ContentsIntroduction to weather; Workings of the weather; Practical forecasting; Hazards; Where to get weather information; Appendix: Charts for you to draw; Index

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Book SynopsisShrubs and vines are some of the most diverse and widespread plants in the Great Lakes Region. Michigan Shrubs and Vines is the must-have book for anyone who wishes to identify and learn about these fascinating plants. The book gives detailed descriptions of 132 species, providing concise information on key characters, habitat, distribution, and growth pattern.

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